At 41 years outdated and coming off a season by which the New York Jets gained simply 5 video games with him because the beginning quarterback, there are many questions surrounding new Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers.
How a lot does he have left within the tank? Can he bodily face up to one other season? Is he the correct quarterback for the job in Pittsburgh for one season?
That may all finally be answered on the sphere, however former NFL linebacker and present ESPN analyst Bart Scott believes Rodgers will do one factor very clearly for the Steelers.
“I feel they provide themselves a official probability to make some noise within the playoffs. Something can occur within the playoffs, proper? In the event that they’re gonna be a Wild Card, they might must go to Houston or whoever wins the AFC South. I feel [Rodgers] can go on a roll. He’s not gonna be rattled. He’s going to offer the workforce a way of calm,” Scott mentioned Tuesday on Get Up, in keeping with video by way of ESPN. “It is a workforce constructed on protection. That is the inspiration of what Pittsburgh Steelers has at all times been about. However on the time whenever you want your quarterback to make a throw on time or get you in the correct play, bear in mind it’s all in regards to the soccer acumen that he brings to the desk, too.
“All they must do is hold him upright throwing from the pocket. His arm continues to be nearly as good because it’s ever been. Possibly his decrease physique and his short-area quickness is finished. However he nonetheless can throw the soccer.”
Even with all the adjustments they made on the offensive aspect of the soccer, the Steelers appear to be in a greater spot now than they had been a yr in the past, significantly on the quarterback place. Whereas Rodgers is 41 years outdated, he confirmed with the Jets within the ultimate 5 video games of final season that he nonetheless has some good soccer left in him.
The Steelers are banking on that with Rodgers, for one season at the very least.
After buying and selling for star receiver DK Metcalf this offseason and deciding on operating again Kaleb Johnson within the third spherical of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers have added some key playmakers. Although they wished Justin Fields again in free company and reportedly pursued Matthew Stafford early within the offseason, they landed on Rodgers and now hope he can make them a win within the playoffs.
That’s one thing the Steelers haven’t accomplished since 2016. The dearth of playoff success within the final decade has been somewhat irritating. The Steelers have discovered methods to stay aggressive and get into the playoffs, however as soon as there they’ve largely been blown out.
It’s getting outdated, and the Steelers are seemingly attempting to transition to a brand new period, turning over a number of positions whereas additionally having a watch towards the long run on the quarterback place. However they aren’t going to punt on the 2025 season, and Rodgers at quarterback affords them the chance to be aggressive and doubtlessly win a playoff sport.
Although the Steelers’ aim each season is to win the Tremendous Bowl, getting a win within the Wild Card spherical can be an ideal place to begin for the franchise, which has gone one-and-done 5 journeys in a row to the playoffs.
May Rodgers, at 41 years outdated, be the answer to that drawback offensively? Historical past means that’s unlikely, however Scott believes Rodgers can nonetheless play and ship successful soccer for the Steelers. Time will inform, although.
